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A Pivotal Moment for U.S.-Africa Relations
Africa represents a continent of over 1.5 billion people with the youngest population in the world and rapidly expanding demand across critical sectors, including minerals, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and transportation. Yet many African governments and institutions lack the institutional access, narrative alignment, and discreet facilitation required to operate effectively in the U.S. policy and business environment. The Gotham Africa Practice is designed to close that gap.
1.5B
PEOPLE ACROSS AFRICA
54
NATIONS
30%
GLOBAL CRITICAL MINERALS
60%
WORLD'S SOLAR RESOURCES
Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai
Director of Diplomatic Outreach
Ambassador Wai is a distinguished diplomat bringing more than 35 years of leadership in international relations, public policy, and strategic partnerships. Throughout his career, he has built a proven track record advancing global development initiatives and cultivating bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Known for his ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, Ambassador Wai excels at building productive relationships across governments, the private sector, and international organizations.
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Former Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States (2018-2025), with concurrent accreditation to Canada and seven other nations
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Unanimously elected by 16 West African ambassadors to lead the ECOWAS collective secretariat in Washington
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Secured Sierra Leone's $480 million MCC Compact for energy infrastructure development
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Former President of the United African Congress, representing 3.5 million continental Africans in the United States
Strategic Capabilities
01
Market Entry & Expansion
Creating credible market access and business development opportunities that extend into selected African markets, identifying countries that are investment-ready and open to structured engagement with U.S. businesses, institutions, and investors.
02
Diaspora & Political Capital
Working with credible African diaspora professionals, business leaders, and policy influencers who maintain strong ties to their countries of origin, including individuals and organizations with demonstrated histories of influencing public policy.
03
Institutional Partnerships
Identifying and engaging credible individuals, organizations, and institutions on the African continent that can advance shared development, governance, and investment goals, including philanthropic initiatives that build local constituencies.
04
Strategic Advisory
Serving as a trusted facilitator and adviser for African governments and Africa-focused stakeholders seeking effective engagement with Washington, New York, and U.S. institutions, translating access into measurable outcomes.
Why Now
Trade Policy in Flux
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provided duty-free access for African exports to the U.S. for 25 years, is extended to 2026. New tariff structures are fundamentally reshaping trade dynamics, creating both challenges and opportunities for African nations seeking bilateral arrangements.
Critical Minerals Imperative
The United States remains 100 percent import-dependent on twelve critical minerals essential for national security and advanced manufacturing. Africa holds an estimated 30 percent of global reserves, positioning the continent as a strategic priority for U.S. supply chain diversification.
Unprecedented Investment
Over $1 billion in U.S. Development Finance Corporation investments are flowing into African infrastructure and mineral supply chain projects, including the Lobito Corridor connecting Zambia to Angola's Atlantic coast.
Energy Opportunity
Despite holding 60 percent of the world's best solar resources, Africa attracts less than 3 percent of global clean energy investment. Mission 300, the World Bank initiative to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, represents a generational opportunity.
